Accountant II Payroll & Timekeeping

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Accountant II oversees accurate, timely, and compliant payroll and timekeeping operations for assigned Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) facilities statewide. The position was established to manage manual timekeeping and payroll processing after automated data processing was eliminated under the COMPAS system transition. It performs and approves manual data entry, complex timekeeping calculations, payroll adjustments, and discrepancy resolution, while meeting payroll deadlines and complying with the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and Colorado State Personnel Rules. The role is both an operational accountant and a direct supervisor, with supervisory responsibility for one Accountant I and three Accounting Technician IIIs. It establishes work standards, manages workflow, reviews and approves complex entries, and maintains the integrity of facility timekeeping systems. It also exercises independent judgment to resolve cross-agency payroll issues and serves as the full backup to the Payroll Manager. The unit provides centralized payroll and timekeeping support to more than 5,500 CDHS employees statewide. The position is open to current Colorado residents and is based at 3814 W. Princeton Circle, Denver, Colorado. The stated work arrangement is in-office two days per week and remote three days per week; arrangements may change. The target start date is December 2026.

Requirements

Six years of relevant accounting experience that includes timekeeping administration, payroll processing, or closely related accounting, finance, or business administration experience; experience must be documented on the application.
Alternatively, a combination of related education and/or relevant occupational experience equal to six years in accounting, including timekeeping administration, payroll processing, or closely related work. Related education requires 27 semester hours completed in accounting or auditing.
A current, valid CPA license issued by the Colorado Board of Accountancy may substitute for six years of the experience requirement.
Must complete and pass an Excel skills test as part of the hiring process.
Current Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment.
Standard background and reference checks are required.
If driving a state-owned vehicle, a motor vehicle check applies. A valid, non-restricted Colorado driver’s license or non-restricted U.S. driver’s license is required for positions within 30 miles of the Colorado state border; out-of-state license holders must obtain a valid, non-restricted Colorado license within 30 days of starting employment.
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information and explain why it should not disqualify them from the position; they must also provide their prior employee number.

Nice To Haves

Strong analytical skills and advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency, including VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, and data analysis.
Great attention to detail and understanding of details and system interactions.
Excellent communication skills.
Experience handling difficult situations and customers.
Strong data analytics skills.
Two years of supervisory experience.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, especially Excel and Access, and/or Google products.
Experience working with CORE (Advantage).
Public-sector and/or government accounting experience.
Knowledge and experience with program accounting principles and practices for human-services-related programs.
Greater depth of experience and knowledge related to accounting principles and practices.
UKG/Kronos experience.
Payroll administration experience.

Responsibilities

Supervise payroll and timekeeping staff, including interviewing, training, scheduling, approving leave, and conducting performance evaluations.
Provide staff with guidance on payroll and timekeeping policies, procedures, and duties; monitor proficiency and identify needs for intervention or development.
Review staff communications for accuracy and compliance with templates.
Apply accounting principles and federal, state, and department rules to resolve non-routine payroll, hours-worked, leave, overtime, and adjustment issues.
Review disputed matters and negotiate or mediate reasonable resolutions.
Advise staff and customers on payroll, timekeeping, benefits, FMLA, short-term disability, workers’ compensation, PERA forms, and related issues.
Meet with employees and supervisors to explain accounting principles, timekeeping rules, policies, and procedures.
Support payroll supervisors and provide backup support to other CDHS Payroll Supervisors.
Review and approve pertinent data entered manually as a result of the COMPAS system transition.
Perform manual data entry, timekeeping calculations, payroll adjustments, and discrepancy resolution, including processing and approving deductions, direct deposits, W-4s, pay/hour reconciliations, and state benefit interactions.
Maintain operational integrity of assigned facility timekeeping systems and meet payroll deadlines.
Serve as the full backup to the Payroll Manager during the manager’s absence.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
Medical and dental health plans.
Employer-supplemented Health Savings Account.
Paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave.
State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center.
Employee Wellness program.
Work-life programs, including flexible schedules and training.
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.